Amanda Whittle introduces Woodford Arts Group’s summer exhibition All Nature Has Feeling, inspired by and on show in Epping Forest
Following the success of our last two exhibitions held at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in 2023 and 2024, we are delighted to be exhibiting at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre (The View) in Chingford this year.
The View not only offers a gallery space on the first floor (there is a lift), but also has an interesting and historical collection of artefacts relating to the forest. Located beside the historic Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and sitting on the edge of Epping Forest, this venue and surrounding forest have encouraged the members of Woodford Arts Group to study the wonderful resource on our doorstep. The group has drawn inspiration from the environment, from the historical landscape and from past artists, including the poet John Clare (1793–1864) who spent time in an asylum at High Beech.
We have responded in our own individual working practices to produce new work for the exhibition. Our responses will resonate with our audience, reflecting the need we all have to connect with nature and allow ourselves time to absorb the healing benefit the natural environment can provide.
Our ability and opportunity to express ourselves, whether on a personal level for our own peace of mind or to comment on the current environmental or social issues, is as relevant today as it’s always been and the arts play a vital role in this expression.
The Woodford Arts Group, established in 2019, is an eclectic group reflecting a diverse range of working practices, including three-dimensional methods as well as two-dimensional representations. All of the members, both original and new, have a common aim to promote the visual arts to our community. The group meet regularly in an informal setting.
As a group, we have worked with local schools and other art groups to present workshops and exhibitions. We are continually looking for community groups and like-minded artists to work with us to develop our experiences with the visual arts and to share our responses with the local community. We also continue to look for suitable venues to meet these aims. Should you feel able to contribute in any way, please do get in touch.
The exhibition is free to attend and runs from 4 to 29 June at The View, 6 Rangers Road, Chingford, E4 7QH. For more information, email art@swvg.co.uk
